Commission approves special‑use permit for unmanned battery storage at 1335 Memphis St.; company agrees to road repairs, community benefits negotiation

The Harlingen City Commission voted to approve on Jan. 15 a special‑use permit (S.U.P.) allowing an unmanned battery energy storage facility on a 6.604‑acre site at 1335 Memphis Street in a Light Industry district. The applicant, RavenBolt LLC (referred to in the meeting as Raven Veil / Ravenbolt), had the item taken off the table from Dec. 18 and returned with assurances about road impacts and a willingness to negotiate community benefits.

Kenneth Cargill, the civil engineer working on the project, told the commission the applicant had analyzed the pavement impact and agreed to repair Memphis Street to existing conditions if project traffic damages the roadway. Matt Alvarez, representing RavenBolt, said the company would handle taxes and participate in local community benefit negotiations.

Commissioner discussion referenced past battery storage projects and industry practice of negotiating community benefit agreements (CBAs) with local nonprofits for public uses; the commission asked staff to authorize the city manager to continue investigations and negotiate terms. Applicant representatives noted earlier projects agreed to benefit packages tied to completion of construction, and staff said one of the previous local projects was close to commencing construction.

Planning staff reported two phone calls but no attendees at the prior public hearing. The commission approved the ordinance (first reading/action) with conditions that include a road maintenance/repair agreement and authorization for the city manager to pursue negotiation of a community benefit agreement. The vote was taken by voice and carried.